Influencing other people can be a challenging task. Many people hold strong beliefs and opinions on a number of positions – from gun regulation to their favorite sports team. However, persuasion techniques can be employed to influence and convince others to change their beliefs or at least get them to move away from an entrenched position. Robert Cialdini – Six Principles of Influence…

There is a prescription pill epidemic in this country and many people are just now finding out about it. In San Diego, more people now die from accidental prescription drug overdoses than die in car accidents.[1] In fact, 269 people died from accidental prescription drug overdoses in San Diego in 2012. And part of the problem is the availability of these drugs. …

Considering that less than 5% of cases go to trial, deposition is now one of the most crucial aspects of litigation. For your anxious client, the deposition is almost the functional equivalent of their “day in court.” One of the most useful subjects, both for lawyers and their clients, has been preparing to give testimony at a deposition. Proper preparation of the…

Do you know one of the best times to prevent malpractice? During the very first meeting with the client – at the outset of the attorney-client relationship. This is a crucial point in the attorney-client relationship that must be used to examine many facets of your representation – from your competence to handle the matter in question to the existence of conflicts…

Forensic psychology has been described as the intersection between psychology and the justice system. A key aspect of forensic psychology is the ability to testify in court, formulating psychological findings into the legal language of the courtroom and providing scientific testimony in a way that can be understood by the judge, the jury and opposing counsel. For those of you interested in…

Whether its foreign investors structuring inbound U.S. business ventures or U.S. companies engaging in cross-border transactions or exporting products or services overseas, the current economic conditions have increased the need for attorneys to be proficient in international taxation and corporate law. Knowing overseas business operations and transactions and understanding the inbound and outbound tax consequences can be vital for the companies and…

As the economy continues to struggle along and numerous homeowners remain underwater, many Americans have turned to bankruptcy for a fresh financial start. Many of your own clients may even be considering bankruptcy – but how do you know if Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is a better option for your client? Attorney Credits has just added an excellent new CLE course…

In today’s global economy, SharePoint software helps businesses with content management, collaboration and sharing for intranet and Internet websites. However, with today’s increased record keeping responsibilities and e-Discovery demands, there are increasing legal discovery issues with the content generated by businesses in Sharepoint. Attorneys need to be aware of these legal issues and counsel their business clients accordingly. In the wake of…

This is a good news, bad news post …. depending on your last name. First, for the good news. If you are a California attorney and your last name begins with N-Z you still have plenty of time to complete your mandatory 25 CLE units as part of your California MCLE requirement. You will have until February 1, 2014, to complete and…

California attorneys who are in Group 1 for MCLE compliance are rapidly running out of time. You have until February 1 – next Friday – to pay annual dues and report your MCLE compliance to the State Bar of California. But who is subject to the 25 unit MCLE requirement in California? According to the State Bar of California, the following members…